Nicois (pronounced Neh’-quois) is a woman of God who is
called to inspire and uplift through the vehicle of music. She represents a
chosen generation full of expression, creativity, and poise. The singer and
songwriter has been saturated with an undeniable gift of song and uses it to
the glory of God.
Nicois’ music ministry isn't typically what audiences hear from a “gospel” artist. The Lord has given her a unique calling. “God has directed me to speak to the nations,” explains Nicois. “Because of the instruction from Him, my music has an international flair.” It's that “international flair” that opened doors for Nicois to minister in Africa, specifically Ghana in October 2011. The impact her ministry has had on her international audience has been quite humbling for the artist. In addition, she's been requested to come to other countries.
Daughter of Pastor Jeremiah and First Lady Sheila Carter, a mother, and worship leader and choir director at Agape Embassy Ministries, Nicois has been blessed to share the stage with artists such as Y’anna Crawley, Vickie Winans, Karen Clark-Sheard, Shirley Caesar, Tye Tribbett, Daryl Coley, Maurette Brown Clark, Martha Munizzi and many others.
Not one to be pigeon-holed, the D.C. area-based artist is
breaking out of the box, blending gospel, Christian rock and urban sounds. Her
passion lies in creating universal, powerful, and effective music for the
Christian believer that stretches across genres, races and even, continents.
Nicois’ music ministry isn't typically what audiences hear from a “gospel” artist. The Lord has given her a unique calling. “God has directed me to speak to the nations,” explains Nicois. “Because of the instruction from Him, my music has an international flair.” It's that “international flair” that opened doors for Nicois to minister in Africa, specifically Ghana in October 2011. The impact her ministry has had on her international audience has been quite humbling for the artist. In addition, she's been requested to come to other countries.
Daughter of Pastor Jeremiah and First Lady Sheila Carter, a mother, and worship leader and choir director at Agape Embassy Ministries, Nicois has been blessed to share the stage with artists such as Y’anna Crawley, Vickie Winans, Karen Clark-Sheard, Shirley Caesar, Tye Tribbett, Daryl Coley, Maurette Brown Clark, Martha Munizzi and many others.
1. When did you discover that you had the gift
of singing?
I
discovered the gift of song around the age 8-9.
2. How do you describe your music style?
Hmmmm, I would have to say it’s an
intricate fuse of pop, gospel, rock and urban sounds. My sophomore project ventures out into the
world of jazz with an orchestral fuse.
3. Who are some of the people that have
influenced you musically?
Chris Tomlin, Ella Fitzgerald,
Prince, James Brown, Israel Houghton, MaliMUSIC, Paul Baloche, Mahalia Jackson,
Casting Crowns, Martha Munizzi, Kurtis Parks, Ledisi, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry
4. What is the song writing process like for
you?
It varies! I could get a full download while shopping in
the Walmart, driving, or even in the restroom (thank God for my iphone!! J), or while working
onsite with my producers during the creation of the music. A lot of my inspiration also comes when I’m
in church. I frequently flip my Pastor’s
messages into songs.
5.
What is
your favorite song?
Right now, (notice I said “right
now”) it’s. Katy Perry’s “ROAR”
6. How long did it take you to record your
album? What was the most exciting part of the process?
“Undeniable” was almost a two year
process. The most exciting piece has
always been the creative process of
structuring a song from the music to the arrangement of the lyrics.
7. Can you describe the process of making a
music video?
IT’S A LONG PROCESS!!!!…. J A lot of moving parts. It consists of working with an excellent
filming crew, selecting a location, obtaining actors and extra’s (if
necessary), having an onsite make-up/wardrobe crew, developing a script (if
necessary), and watching God work!
8. What advice would you give to aspiring
Gospel/Christian music singers?
SERVE your local church with your
whole heart. This is where God begins to
cultivate you, and reveal Himself to you in ways that you would not get to
experience otherwise. It’s training
ground for whatever His will is for your life.
SERVE, and wait patiently to be set apart. This area is near and dear to me, because I
consistently witness the impure motives of so many artists within the Gospel
Industry. They just want to
sing...doesn’t matter if it’s to glorify God or not, and the first secular wind
that blows their way…they’re out the door.
NOT COOL.
Obtain the assistance of
professional help to stir up your gift (ex. If you are a singer, or
instrumentalist, invest in professional lessons).
Develop a small trusted group of
spiritual advisors (friends, family, clergy) to help you stay focused, and hold
you accountable to God’s word, in addition to His will for your life.
9. Does your your family have an influence on
your music (if so, how?)?
My whole family is involved with my music (Parents, Mother-In-Law, Hubby,
Kids, etc.).
One of the main influences is my husband,
as a songwriter/music arranger/business partner).
My Uncle has a wealth of knowledge in music
history..Consistent conversations and listening sessions with him really help
to shape my sound.
I have regular listening sessions with my
kids (18, 11, and 8 years old) to discuss every aspect of my music, as they are
the next generation. If the music
doesn’t appeal to them, I have to go back to the drawing board.
10. What are some of your goals for your music career?
The only goal I have been given is
to. speak to nations on His behalf by way. of music/melodies…
11. Recently, you had the opportunity to travel
to Africa to minister in music. Can you describe that experience and what it
was like for you? Are there any other countries that you would like to travel
to?
The experience was an EYE OPENER in
many ways. I had never left the country
before, so the culture, customs, and way of life as it related to God enhanced
my thought process as well as the goal I’ve been given (to speak to nations on
His behalf). I witnessed a people that
had very little material wealth genuinely praise God with everything they
had. The experience definitely fanned
the flames of the fire I already had within me to “SPEAK TO THE NATIONS”..
12. Name 3-5 people you would like to work with
in the music industry (Christian music/Gospel genre)?
Jesus Culture
MaliMUSIC (given his last interview, his
“Christian/Gospel genre status may be a little questionable)
Group One Crew
Israel Hougton
13. What is a typical day like for you?
Wake up around 7, get the kiddo’s
ready for school, off to my 9-5, meet w/ an artist, producer (studio time), or
have a music meeting after work, track back home in time to give my kiddo’s and
hubby some lovin’, study and prep music for praise team/choir/new project
music, housework, go to bed around
12:30-1am
14. What do you to relax?
SLEEP….
15. If you had the opportunity to meet anyone
in the world who would you want to meet?
(Biblical) –Eve and John the Baptist
(Musical) – Michael Jackson
(Other) – Ghandi
16. Do you have any upcoming events? If so,
where will the events be held at?
December 7 – 10am – Woman of Noble
Character Breakfast Bazaar, Hilton Alexandria Mark Center. You can purchase tickets at www.agapembassy.org
December 14 – 3:20 – 3:45pm - 2013
Christian Writer’s Literary Festival – 400 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD. You can obtain more information at www.christianwritersliteraryfestival.blogspot.com
17. What role does your faith play in your
everyday life?
My faith in the existence of the
Creator of the Universe, His precepts and principles, and His will for my life
is the foundation of my belief system. I
expend all of my being to learn from Him by way of His precious Holy Spirit, and
advance His Kingdom.
CONTACT NICOIS!
www.nicoismusic.com
FB & Twitter: NicoisMUSIC
FB & Twitter: NicoisMUSIC
